With four-plus inches of snow recorded in some parts of Greater Cincinnati by late Sunday morning, counties and cities are issuing snow emergencies.
Under Ohio Law, county sheriffs monitor snow conditions and declare snow emergencies when it has been determined that use of highways and roadways by motorists is a threat to maintaining public peace.
In Kentucky, the county government makes the call, but cities can also declare emergencies.
Regardless of what level is declared, officials urge citizens to remember that road conditions can vary throughout the county.
By late Sunday morning, Butler, Boone and Kenton counties had been placed on a Level 1 snow emergency and Hamilton County was under a Level 2.
Latest updates:Parts of Greater Cincinnati under winter storm warning, road conditions 'hazardous'
Definitions for snow emergencies can vary by state and county, but here are the basics:
Level 1
- Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be icy.
- Motorists are urged to drive very cautiously.
- No roadways are closed but unnecessary travel is discouraged.
More:Here's what Sunday's winter storm and snow looks like around Greater Cincinnati
Level 2
- Roadways are hazardous due to accumulated, blowing and drifting snow and roads may be very icy.
- Only drive if it is necessary to do so.
- Employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.
Level 3
- Ice, blowing and drifting snow has created extremely hazardous road conditions. Low visibility, extremely low temperatures and worsening road conditions are also factors.
- Some or all county roads have been closed to all but emergency and essential persons.
- No one should be on roadways unless absolutely necessary and violators could be subject to arrest.
- All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work.
Officials in Clermont County said they will rarely use a Level 3 declaration except under extreme circumstances that exist countywide.
"This level prohibits driving except for emergencies or absolute necessities. Because this level is so restrictive and raises questions/confusion about what is or what is not ‘Absolutely Necessary’ and disrupts businesses and other activities," Clermont officials said.
What about parking restrictions?
Depending on how much snow is falling, residents should move their cars off city streets before major snowfall.
In Kenton County, during snow emergencies where snowfall accumulation is two inches or greater, no vehicle may be parked on a public road right of way.
In Cincinnati, during severe snowstorms, the city may issue a Parking Snow Emergency, which initiates parking restrictions on signed routes. Cars not moved are subject to ticketing and towing.
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